DCS Remote Commander not playing nice with my Proto 3.0 engines

Engines must be set to factory default for use with RC's. PS3's can be reset with a RC, check the instructions.

Also- you can only control one engine at a time.

Thanks.

Three separate tracks.  Three different Remote Commanders.

If I did nothing to the engines since I bought them aren't they already in factory default?

@RSJB18 posted:

Engines must be set to factory default for use with RC's. PS3's can be reset with a RC, check the instructions.

Also- you can only control one engine at a time.

PS/3 engines from around 2014 and later can be reset with the DCS-RC, not the first few years.  Those and any PS/2 engine must be reset with the full DCS system.

The phrase reset is the stumbling block for me.  What I am interrupting from your helpful comments is that while capable of DCS the reset process must be performed to activate DCS operability.

Am I starting to get the idea?

@Former Member posted:

The phrase reset is the stumbling block for me.  What I am interrupting from your helpful comments is that while capable of DCS the reset process must be performed to activate DCS operability.

Am I starting to get the idea?

Read page 7.

I have several new PS3 engines that I’ve used recently with a remote commander and I had to reset all of them first using the button sequence in the manual. I think it’s Sound Direction Minus… but it’s in the manual like @RSJB18 said. You should be fine after that. It works best on a simple loop of track. I think the signal can be interrupted by switches, etc. I’ve noticed some inconsistent operation when I’ve used it on larger, more complex floor layouts. It’s not the greatest but it should work well enough for basic operation.

Thanks to all for your responses.

Factory default reset pending after breakfast.

@GregK posted:

I have several new PS3 engines that I’ve used recently with a remote commander and I had to reset all of them first using the button sequence in the manual. I think it’s Sound Direction Minus… but it’s in the manual like @RSJB18 said. You should be fine after that. It works best on a simple loop of track. I think the signal can be interrupted by switches, etc. I’ve noticed some inconsistent operation when I’ve used it on larger, more complex floor layouts. It’s not the greatest but it should work well enough for basic operation.

Thanks for your additional observation on the layout compatibility.  While fairly large, 14'X12' and elevated, my seasonal layout (at least this iteration) is a series of more or less concentric ovals.  One large perimeter loop and two interior loops.

Because of this simplicity I surmised that the inexpensive Commander would be a good fit.

Following the set up instructions I expected this to be a simple unbox and use which is why it came as such a surprise that it was not.

This morning I will do the reset procedure and let you all know.

@Former Member posted:

Thanks for your additional observation on the layout compatibility.  While fairly large, 14'X12' and elevated, my seasonal layout (at least this iteration) is a series of more or less concentric ovals.  One large perimeter loop and two interior loops.

Because of this simplicity I surmised that the inexpensive Commander would be a good fit.

Following the set up instructions I expected this to be a simple unbox and use which is why it came as such a surprise that it was not.

This morning I will do the reset procedure and let you all know.

For 3 loops, it might be better to wire the RC in passive mode (power doesn't go through the RC).

Run power to the tracks from the transformer as normal. Then run a pair of wires from the RC to the transformer track outputs. This will allow the RC to send the DCS signal directly onto the track without the added current load.

Mine is wired like this on a two track 4x8 layout and it works great.

@RSJB18 posted:

For 3 loops, it might be better to wire the RC in passive mode (power doesn't go through the RC).

Since the DCS-RC has a pretty anemic DCS signal output, I'd also recommend a 22uh inductor in series with the transformer leads that go to the track so you don't attenuate the DCS signal due to the low impedance of the transformer windings.

Thanks to all for their helpful suggestions.  

A simple factory default reset did the trick.  I did not take that suggestion to heart when it was made because I never changed the factory default in the first place and I do not have the capability to assign numbers to engines at this point.  So what was to be reset/undone?

Nonetheless in spite of my best efforts I succeeded with your help!

The generosity of your expertise is greatly appreciated!